UN food agencies urge action to avoid food crisis

ROME (AP) -- The three U.N. food agencies have issued a joint appeal calling for a swift, global response to curb rising prices of corn, wheat and soybean, to avoid a major crisis.

The heads of the World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization and International Fund for Agriculture Development warned in a statement Tuesday that the sharp rise in food prices in recent months threatens to make life even more difficult for tens of millions of people.

A major drought in the U.S. -- the No. 1 exporter of corn, soybeans and wheat -- has helped drive up food prices in recent months. The FAO's next food price index is due Thursday.

The three agencies called for poorer countries to expand assistance for small-scale farmers and food aid to mothers and children, promote sustainable food production through better investment, and adjust biofuel production requirements.